Caribbean Motor Yacht Charters: How To

If you’re over all-inclusive resorts and can’t fathom a cruise with a bunch of strangers, then it’s time to learn about Caribbean motor yacht charters how to. Even if you’re not a sailor, you can hire a personal captain and crew to sail your very own yacht around the Caribbean waters. Stop where you please, sail when you want, and dive into the crystal blue sea on a whim. Just make sure to load up on the SPF. The sun near the equator is killer.

1. Choose your vacation mates. Chartered yachts can sleep anywhere from two to one hundred and ten people, depending on their size. If you want to relive spring break, go for a huge charter and invite all your frat brothers. If you want to keep it intimate, invite only your special lady, or just another couple or two. Make sure all the personalities you invite mesh, because you will be living in close quarters on a boat for the duration of your vacation.
2. Figure out which part of the Caribbean you want to hone in on. The US Virgin Islands? The British Virgin Islands? St. Kitts, Nevis and St. Bart’s? Mustique? Every island is beautiful, but each cluster has something different to offer. The US Virgin Islands are more developed, while the British Virgin Islands are more remote. St. Kitts is full of 19^th-century character. Mustique is home to many celebrity getaways. There are countless other destinations, and it’s impossible to see everything in one visit. So, do some research to make the most out of your personalized yacht charter.
3. Find a charter company on an island you want to visit, with yachts that appeal to you. The internet really comes in handy when finding a charter company. Most have websites that outline their fleet. Some specialize in 2-8 person yachts, while others offer larger yachts for fifty or more. Most yachts come with snorkeling equipment, but others offer special add-ons like jet skis, water-skiing capabilities and kayaks. See which yacht appeals to you most, then make the call to reserve your choice.
4. Consult with the captain and crew. The captain and crew of your island yacht charter have sailed the waters countless times, and will know of the best deserted beaches, local bars, snorkeling spots and hidden gems for you to explore. Whether you want to visit Caribbean villages, explore a cave or lie in a hammock on an uninhabited island, make sure to let them know what your specific interests are so they can make the best recommendations and sail you to the most awe-worthy spots.
   
5. Pack soft luggage full of shorts and swimsuits. Space is limited on a personal yacht, so pack light. Hard-sided luggage is more difficult to store and can damage the boat, so soft luggage (like duffel bags) are a better choice. Caribbean temps hover around 80 degrees year round, and island folk are known to keep it casual, so leave the ties at home and make sure you bring shorts, swim trunks and your favorite brand of sunscreen.
6. Be friendly to the natives. You’ll be visiting a foreign land with a culture all its own. Be respectful of the people who live there by offering them a smile or a hello, and don’t leave any of your garbage behind. Swimsuits are acceptable for the beach, but in town, you should cover up.
7. Don’t ignore the details. Every aspect of your Caribbean yacht charter can be catered to your specific needs, and the sooner the crew knows about your preferences, the better. The menu will be planned specifically for you, so if you have a food allergy, are vegetarian or want to keep kosher, let them know. If you want to learn to sail or get certified for SCUBA, you can be placed with a captain who is also a sailing or SCUBA instructor. And if you want the entire trip to be clothing-optional, that can be arranged too.